first Atlantic site found on crust that is dominated by a hot spot signature; one of the largest vent fields with 21 chimneys; active vent sites are dispersed over an area at least 700 m long and 300 m wide; vents (170-324°C) surround lava lake on the summit of a large axial volcano; 3.8-4.5 pH, fluids depleted in sulfides but enriched in methane; in MOMAR area, which is designated for long-term monitoring efforts; specifically chosen for ESONET non-cabled observatory; reported in 2007 as MPA in OSPAR Network

Notes Relevant to Biology:

Alvinocarididae, Bythograeidae, Mytilidae (mussel dominated, as compared to shrimp-dominated Rainbow site), Polynoidae, Zoarcidae, gastropods; shares some species with the TAG and Snake Pit sites but many species discovered here

Year and How Discovered (if active, visual confirmation is listed first):